Sunday, October 31, 2010

Ford Focus ST


2011 Ford Focus ST ConceptFord Focus ST
Ford Focus ST
Ford Focus ST
Ford Focus ST
2011 Ford Focus ST ConceptFord Focus ST
"The ST will be the performance flagship of our new Focus range, and we are excited to provide our enthusiast customers with an early preview in Paris," said Gunnar Herrmann, Ford Motor Company's Global C-car Vehicle Line Director. "The ST represents an ultimate expression of Focus driving quality and performance and we are confident that the new model will strengthen the reputation of Ford's ST heritage among enthusiast drivers and attract new fans as well."

"The new Focus ST will be our first true global performance vehicle and we are excited about the chance to give many customers worldwide their first taste of Ford's acclaimed ST heritage," said Jost Capito, Director of Global Performance Vehicles. "Like the ST and RS models before it, the Focus ST will be the result of painstaking tuning around the curves of the Nürburgring, along high-speed German autobahns, and down classic British B-roads.
•Pure performance delivered by unique 250 PS version of new 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost four-cylinder petrol engine
•Over 10 per cent more power and torque than the current European Focus ST, but fuel consumption and CO2 emissions cut by more than 20 per cent
•Lowered chassis and unique suspension tuning to deliver acclaimed ST handling agility and poise
•5-door ST show car for Paris features dramatic ‘Tangerine Scream' body colour, reflecting new ST's exciting and energetic character
The exciting next-generation Ford Focus ST makes its global debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, providing an early preview of the new high-performance model which will be introduced around the world in 2012.

Succeeding the turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder unit of the current European model, this unique 250 PS Ford EcoBoost engine is being specially developed for the new Focus ST to ensure that the car gets the muscular performance - and the inspirational sound - which it deserves. It also marks the first application of the four-cylinder Ford EcoBoost engine in a high performance model.

Compared to the 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost engine used in other Ford vehicles, the 250 PS unit features re-designed intake and exhaust systems and a unique engine calibration to deliver the desired level of power and responsiveness. The engine retains the strong torque delivery which is a feature of Ford EcoBoost designs, with a broad, flat torque curve offering a maximum output of 360 Nm.

One of a completely new generation of downsized, high-efficiency, low-CO2 petrol engines from Ford, the 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost is a lightweight, all-aluminium design which combines three technologies - high-pressure direct injection, low-inertia turbocharging and twin independent variable cam timing - to create an advanced combustion system which brings new levels of performance and fuel efficiency to petrol engines in this power range.

This ultra efficient 250 PS engine therefore not only delivers over 10 per cent more power and torque than the current 2.5-litre unit, it is also estimated to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by more than 20 per cent.


The seats are finished in high-quality Charcoal Black leather, offset by bold orange gold panels in a neoprene fabric and vibrant yellow-gold contrast stitching. The central Charcoal Black fabric seat panels feature a rugged embossed design in the style of a performance tyre tread pattern. The rear Recaro seats are finished in the same distinctive style.

The premium sports feel of the cabin is enhanced by a generous use of Charcoal Black leather with vibrant yellow-gold contrast stitching on many of the interior surfaces, including the seats, door panels, central armrest, steering wheel, gearshift gaiter and the top of the instrument binnacle.

Ford Focus

Ford Focus
Ford Focus
2011 Ford FocusFord Focus
Ford Focus
Ford Focus
Ford Focus
2011 Ford FocusFord Focus
"The new Focus truly represents the best of Ford Motor Company, and we are excited that the first vehicles will be in customers' hands very soon," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of Product Development. "The investment in our new C-car platform has enabled us to provide global consumers with an affordable product which offers quality, fuel efficiency, safety and technology beyond their expectations."

Three bodystyles of the exciting new next-generation global Ford Focus line up together for the first time at the 2010 Paris Motor Show
•Sporty five-door hatchback, sleek four-door sedan and stylish five-door wagon Focus models take centre stage on Ford's stand at Paris
•New Focus combines dynamic design and exceptional array of smart new technologies with high levels of craftsmanship, outstanding occupant safety and further advances in acclaimed levels of driving quality
•Class-leading range of advanced technologies includes Low Speed Safety System, Active Park Assist, Lane Keeping Aid and Torque Vectoring Control
•European engine line-up confirmed with fuel-efficient, low-CO2 powertrains including new 1.6-litre Ford EcoBoost petrol engine and completely updated
1.6- and 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engines
•Ford Auto-Start-Stop system will be standard on 1.6-litre EcoBoost and 1.6-litre TDCi engines for optimum efficiency; 1.6 TDCi achieves 109g/km CO2 emissions
•Ultra-low CO2 Focus ECOnetic model to follow later in 2011
•European production starts in Saarlouis, Germany at the end of 2010 prior to sales launch in early 2011; current Focus to continue production in Valencia, Spain until mid-2011 to satisfy market demand

Ford has promised to add a performance Focus model to the next-generation line-up, and at Paris the company is previewing how that model will look when introduced in 2012. The exciting new Focus ST model is revealed at Paris and its 250 PS Ford EcoBoost powerplant will deliver driving enjoyment designed to match its outstanding looks.

The dynamic quality of the exterior is reinforced by the distinctive design of the interior. The new Focus has a modern, cockpit-style interior, with the stylish centre console wrapped around the driver and providing outstanding access to the vehicle's major controls and display panels.

The interior combines outstanding functionality with outstanding craftsmanship. The cabin's bold and contemporary graphics, the sculptured shape of the soft-touch instrument panel and the choice of superior trim materials all help to give occupants the feeling that they are travelling in a premium-class car.

The new Focus Wagon on show in Paris with its interior for the first time enhances this premium feel still further by featuring a leather interior package from the exclusive range of Ford Individual vehicle personalisation options which are being specially developed for the new model.

Leading the petrol engine range is the brand new 1.6-litre Ford EcoBoost unit, which is available in 150 PS and 180 PS versions.

One of a completely new generation of downsized, high-efficiency, low-CO2 petrol engines from Ford, the 1.6-litre Ford EcoBoost is a lightweight, all-aluminium design which combines three technologies - a centrally-mounted high-pressure direct injection system, low-inertia turbocharging and twin independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT) - to create an advanced combustion system which brings new levels of performance and fuel efficiency to petrol engines in this power range.

This powerful combination of technologies makes it possible for the 1.6-litre Ford EcoBoost engine to deliver the strong low-end torque and responsive performance of a large capacity engine, but with the size, weight and fuel economy of a much smaller unit.

Both 150 PS and 180 PS variants combine impressive peak power with pulling power at low engine speeds which matches that of the latest-generation diesel engines, with the
180 PS unit delivering maximum torque of 240 Nm from 1,600 to 5,000 rpm, with 270 Nm available during hard acceleration via the transient overboost feature.

In the Focus five-door, the 180 PS Ford EcoBoost engine achieves a top speed of 222 km/h (138 mph) and a 0-100km/h (62 mph) time of 7.9 seconds, while still returning impressive average fuel consumption of 6.0 litres/100 km (47 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 139g/km.

105 PS/125 PS 1.6-litre Ford Duratec Ti-VCT
The petrol engine line-up in the Focus also includes Ford's proven 1.6-litre Duratec
Ti-VCT unit with outputs of 105 PS and 125 PS.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Ford C-MAX plug-in hybrid

2012 Ford C-MAX plug-in hybrid
Ford C-MAX plug-in hybrid
Ford C-MAX plug-in hybrid
Ford C-MAX plug-in hybrid
Ford C-MAX plug-in hybrid
Ford C-MAX plug-in hybrid
Ford announced today that its Valencia plant in Spain will build the company’s first hybrid models for European customers with two versions of the all new Ford C-MAX compact minivans that will be launched in 2013. The first will be a full hybrid electric vehicle, while the second will be a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

“The Hybrid Electric and Plug-In Hybrid Electric derivatives of the all-new Ford C-MAX are great news for the Valencia plant and region, for Spain, and for Ford customers across Europe. These new advanced technology models are key to Ford’s commitment to delivering a portfolio of alternative powertrain vehicles globally and to European customers in the next few years,” said John Fleming, Chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe and executive vice president of Global Manufacturing and Labour Affairs.

“Due to the increasing customer interest in Europe for electrified versions of our vehicles, we are stepping up our efforts to bring these models to market alongside our latest-generation, fuel-efficient EcoBoost petrol and Duratorq diesel models,” Odell added. “European consumers soon will have an even greater range of electric alternatives from Ford.”

In a powersplit hybrid, the electric motor and petrol-powered engine can work together or separately to maximise efficiency. The engine also can operate independently of vehicle speed, charging the batteries or providing power to the wheels as needed. The motor alone can provide sufficient power to the wheels in low-speed, low-load conditions, and work with the engine at higher speeds. As a result, the current-generation Fusion Hybrid can operate in petrol-saving electric mode up to 47 mph under certain conditions for short distances.

“A plug-in hybrid owner will make fewer trips to the pump to refuel, because of its all-electric mode capability,” said Lisa Drake, chief engineer for Ford’s Global Hybrid and Battery Electric Vehicle programs. “They’ll be able to conveniently recharge their plug-in hybrid at home overnight. And they’ll never have to think about the vehicle’s electric range, because the plug-in hybrid seamlessly shifts to petrol when needed.”

“We know that one technology does not work for all customers – hybrids, plug-in hybrids and pure electric vehicles each offer distinctly different advantages,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development. “By leveraging our global platforms, we are able to offer our customer a range of solutions as part of a strong product line-up.”

Roush 5XR Ford Mustang GT

Roush 5XR Ford Mustang GT
Roush 5XR Ford Mustang GT
Roush 5XR Ford Mustang GT
Roush 5XR Ford Mustang GT
Roush 5XR Ford Mustang GT
Roush 5XR Ford Mustang GT
2011 Roush 5XR Ford Mustang GTRoush 5XR Ford Mustang GT
2011 ROUSH 5XR is a runner. With the R2300 ROUSHcharger installed the 2011 ROUSH 5XR Mustang will sport an "extreme" 525 horsepower under the hood, along with an "exciting" 465 lb.-ft. of torque. To keep the "exclusivity" high, there will be a maximum of just 150 units of the 2011 ROUSH 5XR Mustang built, each with a 3-year/36,000 mile warranty on the powertrain and ROUSH components. The 2011 ROUSH 5XR Mustang is available in a coupe or convertible, but only with a six-speed manual transmission.

"I'm always excited to get an opportunity to work on a new engine, and the Ford 5.0-liter is a great platform. It has 412 horsepower to begin with, but our group was able to coax out another 113 horsepower with the ROUSHcharger. The 2011 ROUSH 5XR runs fast, sounds great, and is another amazing addition to the ROUSH Mustang heritage," said Jack Roush, motorsports legend and chairman of ROUSH Enterprises.

The installed ROUSH exhaust with square tips gives the 2011 ROUSH 5XR Mustang a deep, throaty sound worthy of a supercharged American V-8 muscle car. The aggressive ROUSH body kit changes the appearance of the car so people know that this is not just any Ford Mustang prowling the roads. The appearance upgrades include a ROUSH front fascia with driving lamps, front chin splitter, side rocker splitters, rear valance and three-piece decklid spoiler. A ROUSH upper billet grille streamlines the front of the vehicle and provides some additional cooling to the engine, and a unique 2011 ROUSH 5XR Mustang graphics package trims out the appearance of this limited edition vehicle. Badging unique to this vehicle can be found throughout the 2011 ROUSH 5XR Mustang.

One thing that makes this car different from previous ROUSH Mustangs is that the 2011 ROUSH 5XR Mustang will be sold only as a post-title vehicle. This means that the authorized ROUSH-Ford dealership must pre-sell the car to a customer or title the vehicle before the order can be placed in the ROUSH system. The 2011 ROUSH 5XR Mustang is not available for sale in California. Please contact your local ROUSH-authorized Ford dealer for more information, or visit www.ROUSHperformance.com to locate your nearest dealer.

Ford Ranger


2011 Ford RangerFord Ranger
Ford Ranger
Ford Ranger
Ford Ranger
Ford Ranger
Ford Ranger
From impressive gains in power and safety to exceptional towing capability, the next-generation 2011 Ford Ranger emerges as a clear segment leader. It not only builds on the tremendous
Ranger heritage of pickup truck capability, but it also gives truck owners a spacious, comfortable, feature-filled interior and sophisticated driving experience they would expect to find only in a car. Amongst the most high-tech in its segment, Ranger is the impressive result of an all-new global compact pickup truck platform from Ford – the latest to emerge under the company’s One Ford initiative – and Mazda. It replaces two previous-generation compact truck platforms currently in production to present a new face of Built Ford Tough to customers around the world.

With an all-new chassis frame, front and rear suspension and steering system, Ranger delivers more payload and outstanding towing capability. It is powered by a choice of three new, fuel-efficient powertrains, including two state-of-the-art common-rail Ford Duratorq TDCi diesels and new fuel-efficient six-speed transmissions. Add in more chassis and safety technologies, and the story of Ranger pickup truck leadership becomes as vivid as its powerful, purposeful stance.

The flagship of the new range is the 2011 Ford Ranger XLT Double Cab model unveiled in Sydney in lustrous Aurora Blue, showcasing a gutsy fuel-efficient new 2.2-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi 110 kW (150 PS) diesel engine with an impressive 375 Nm of available torque.

Ranger introduces three new engines to Ford’s compact pickup truck range globally:
A new 2.2-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi I4 diesel engine with peak torque output of 375 Nm and power output of 110 kW (150 PS).
A highly responsive and efficient new 3.2-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi I5 diesel engine with a powerful 470 Nm of torque and power rated at 147 kW (200 PS).
A 2.5-litre Ford Duratec I4 petrol engine with more power at 122 kW (166 PS). It can be configured for E100 flexible fuel capability or aftermarket upfitted to run on CNG or LPG.
“This all-new engine family demonstrates our commitment to making Ranger the best option for today’s pickup truck customer,” said John Tatge, Ranger chief programme engineer. “We’re bringing the best engine technology from the Ford powertrain range to make Ranger the clear choice for capability and fuel economy, particularly with our world-class Duratorq diesels. Their torque makes Ranger the truck to own.”

The new Ford 6R80 six-speed automatic transmission has been extensively tuned to deliver smooth, quick shifts almost imperceptibly to the driver, reinforcing the car-like refinement of the 2011 Ford Ranger. In Normal mode, the calibration focuses on comfort and fuel economy. For sportier driving, a quick flick of the shifter changes the transmission into Sport mode. This provides later shift points and the driver can manually select gears through a forward (downshift) or rearward (upshift) movement.

The largest brake system in segment provides excellent fade resistance, particularly with maximum payload. While competitive systems start to fade and stopping distances increase, the Ranger is engineered to keep performing.

A progressive production ramp-up is slated to begin next summer (Northern Hemisphere) in Rayong, Thailand, for the Asia Pacific region. Ford is transforming plants in Argentina and South Africa for additional capacity to eventually serve other key regions as the launch cadence progresses. The new manufacturing strategy for the single global compact truck platform will drive new levels of product commonality for the 2011 Ford Ranger all around the globe.

Ford Focus 2.0 I4 Engine

2012 Ford FocusFord Focus 2.0 I4 Engine
2012 Ford FocusFord Focus 2.0 I4 Engine
Ford Focus 2.0 I4 Engine
Ford Focus 2.0 I4 Engine
2012 Ford FocusFord Focus 2.0 I4 Engine
Ford Focus 2.0 I4 Engine
The combination of these technologies help make the dual-overhead-camshaft (DOHC) Focus 4-cylinder one of the most powerful, fuel-efficient and refined engines in its class and one of the most advanced non-turbocharged four-cylinder powerplants Ford has ever offered. Horsepower is rated at 160 and torque 146 lb.-ft., up from 140 and 136 respectively in the 2011 Ford Focus.The 2.0-liter engine coming early next year to the North American version of the 2012 Ford Focus will be one of the first on the market to combine the technology of gasoline direct injection (DI) with twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) and E85 flex fuel capability.

“By combining direct injection and Ti-VCT, we’ve been able to make a quantum leap in fuel economy and performance,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “We’re meeting the goals of our global powertrain strategy, and we now have another key engine in our lineup.”

The direct-injected 2.0-liter Ti-VCT I-4 also serves as another example of Ford delivering fuel economy leadership by using advanced technologies to produce surprising power from minimal displacement. The engine can deliver outstanding fuel economy and emissions along with the throttle response, performance and flexibility expected from a world-class engine.

Fuel metering duties on the 2.0-liter I-4 are handled by an injection system that precisely delivers a fine mist of fuel directly into each cylinder for optimal performance, economy and emissions. Unlike port fuel injection (PFI) engines that spray fuel into the intake system, the direct injection system puts the fuel in the combustion chamber, exactly where it needs to be for combustion.

The high-pressure fuel injectors are positioned to the side of each cylinder, aiming the fuel directly into the cylinder adjacent to a high-intensity spark plug and alongside the intake and exhaust valves. Fuel is sprayed into the cylinders at pressures of up to 2,150 pounds per square inch, which is about 35 times more intense than PFI injection.

To keep overall powertrain weight as low as possible, the block, cylinder head and oil pan – traditionally the heaviest engine components – are aluminum castings. To increase rigidity, these elements are ribbed for additional strength and durability. Pistons are cast aluminum as well, with the light weight helping to reduce reciprocating mass.

Geiger Ford Mustang Supercharged

2011 Geiger Ford Mustang SuperchargedGeiger Ford Mustang Supercharged
2011 Geiger Ford Mustang SuperchargedGeiger Ford Mustang Supercharged
Geiger Ford Mustang Supercharged
Geiger Ford Mustang Supercharged
The Bavarian US car specialists now react by taking their own tuning version of the V8 coupé to the start. It was refined both regarding looks and performance.

GeigerCars.de brings the 5.0-Liter-V8 a step forward by adapting the compressor. A screw condenser for a volume of 2.3 litres puts an over-pressure of 0.5 bar on this wild horse's eight combustion chambers. In connection with other technical improvements, this conversion leads to a performance increase from once 412 to now 497 HP available at 6,400 rpm. 4,200 rotations already lead to a torque of 634 Newton metres (series 529 Nm at 4,250 rpm). With this performance upgrade, GeigerCars.de removes the Mustang's factory-set Vmax lock. It now has a maximum speed of 274 km/h after an acceleration orgy through the six levels of its automatic gear.

For best driving dynamics, GeigerCars.de gave the US-Boy both a sports chassis and extremely light OZ Ultraleggera light-metal wheel rims at a size of 8.5x20 and 10x20 inches. While 245/35R20 high-performance tires indicate direction, the drive axle uses 285/30R20 rubber tires to dig into the asphalt.

Ford Focus SE

2012 Ford FocusFord Focus SE
Ford Focus SEFord Focus SE
Ford Focus SEFord Focus SE
Ford Focus SEFord Focus SE

“Our enthusiast customers told us exactly what they want in an all-new Focus,” said Mark Rushbrook, Ford vehicle dynamics manager for the 2012 Ford Focus. “They asked us to give Focus more responsive handling, and they asked that we develop and offer a factory-engineered handling package with beefier suspension hardware. We’ve done just that, fine-tuning a pair of available packages for mid-level SE and up-range Titanium models.”

* All-new 2012 Ford Focus range elevates driving dynamics with standard electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), Control Blade rear suspension and torque vectoring control, making the vehicle feel more responsive and agile in corners
* Top-of-the-line Ford Focus Titanium model features standard sport-tuned suspension in addition to offering an optional Titanium Handling Package with 18-inch alloy wheels and summer performance tires
* Mid-range Ford Focus SE offered with available SE Sport Package featuring alloy wheels, sport seats, rear disc brakes, piano black grille, unique interior appointments and five-speed manual transmission

The automotive enthusiast community should appreciate the sharpened handling offered in the volume-series Focus SE four-door sedan and five-door hatchback. The SE Sport Package features sport-tuned suspension, 16-inch aluminum wheels, sport seats, four-wheel disc brakes, piano black grille, metallic interior trim accents, leather-wrapped steering wheel and standard five-speed manual transmission.

Two additional wheel packages are offered with the Focus SE Sport Package. A 16-inch machined alloy wheel with painted pockets is offered as an upgrade, while serious enthusiasts may wish to add the 17-inch machined and painted alloy wheel option.The range-topping Focus Titanium model is fitted with the sport-tuned suspension as standard equipment. This includes stiffer springs and dampers.

Enthusiast buyers specifying a Focus Titanium sedan or hatchback can add the Titanium Handling Package with optimized suspension components, special 18-inch alloy wheels, low-profile summer performance tires and a trunk-mounted full-size spare.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

2010 Toyota FT-86G Sports Concept










Sports-car lovers will be treated to a tantalising glimpse of Toyota's future with the unveiling of the Toyota FT-86G Sports Concept at the 2010 Australian International Motor Show.

The dramatic show car previews a rear-wheel-drive sports coupe that is destined to add appeal and excitement to the Toyota brand post 2012.

As the concept car illustrates, the production model is the spiritual successor to Toyota's sports-car heritage that features names such as Supra and MR2.

Its named is derived from the AE-86 Corolla - a small, light-weight, rear-wheel drive coupe from the 1980s that has achieved cult status.

Toyota's aim is to bring a new level of excitement to Toyota showrooms and customers, connecting with younger drivers and promoting the fun of sports-car driving.

The Toyota FT-86G is the second concept revealed by Toyota in the past year that points to a next-generation production sports coupe.

It has gained tweaks to performance and styling that make it sleeker and more aggressive than the Toyota FT-86 concept shown at 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.

The "G" suffix signifies a sports conversion that has stretched the original by 30mm, widened it by 20mm and lowered it by 30mm (4190mm × 1780mm × 1230mm).

Sharper looks come from a totally redesigned front end that incorporates a larger air intake with visible intercooler, as well as a vented bonnet.

At the rear, a large carbon-fibre wing, diffuser and oversized twin exhausts contribute to the edgier styling.

The Toyota FT-86G Sports Concept sits on low-profile Bridgestone 19-inch rubber - 245/40 at the front and 275/35 at the rear, while Recaro sports seats complete the "G" conversion of the dynamic four-seater.

The concept retains classic sports-car underpinnings with a front-mounted 2.0-litre engine - now boosted with a turbo - driving the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission.

Toyota's plan to return to the sports-car market is in response to the edict by global president Akio Toyoda for the company to re-connect with younger buyers by producing fun-to-drive models.

"It is often said that young people today have drifted away from cars, but I feel it may not be the customers who have drifted from cars but us, the manufacturers," Mr Toyoda said. "I believe it is the mission of auto makers to provide the fundamental excitement of automobiles to customers, regardless of the era."